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OBESITY: WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

Obesity is a growing problem in our nation today. Over the years, the number of individuals considered to be obese has grown. Some action must be taken to help reduce the likelihood that our children will be obese. At present, obesity is being battled on several fronts. Opinions may vary from person to person, but the question that is asked is always the same. What is the most effective way for our nation combat obesity?

BIG DEAL: WHAT'S SO BAD ABOUT BEING OBESE?

At an individual level, we must combat obesity because it can lead to physical and psychological health issues. According to the American Obesity Association (2002), "Obesity has been established as a major risk factor for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mellitus and some cancers in both men and women." Musante (2003), a clinical psychologist having over 30 years of experience working with obese patients, asserts that obesity can contribute to individual feelings of frustration and powerlessness.

On a national level, obesity affects the economy. Many of the health care procedures performed today are paid for with tax dollars. These tax dollars feed into the Medicare and Medicaid programs which in turn cover expenses for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other conditions to which obesity is a contributing factor.

SO WHY CAN'T WE EASILY IDENTIFY THE BEST WAY TO COMBAT OBESITY?

Actually, obesity is not one of those issues that everyone agrees one. One factor contributing to the uncertainties and ambiguities surrounding the issue of obesity is that some consider obesity to be a disease while others do not.

The American Obesity Association (2002) asserts that obesity is a disease and should be recognized as such by the health care industry and the public while others, like Hawley (2004), believe that obesity results from the individual decisions we make.

Opinions also vary as to whether or not the responsibility for the obesity problem lies with individuals or corporations.

Some advocates, like Shell (2002), feel that the government should put into place aggressive public health efforts to include the regulation of food advertising to children. Others, like Buchholz (2004), maintain that obesity stems from the individual choices we make, not the advertising campaigns of the corporations.

EVALUATING THE EVIDENCE

WHAT EVIDENCE SUPPORTS THE POSITION THAT OBESITY IS A DISEASE?

The American Obesity Association (2002) has adopted the position that obesity is a disease and

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